Paul Merson issues contradictory claims about Liverpool ahead of ‘must-win game’ against Chelsea

Paul Merson issues contradictory claims about Liverpool ahead of ‘must-win game’ against Chelsea Paul Merson has made some contradictory claims about Liverpool’s fixture against Chelsea on Saturday. The Reds could secure Champions League qualification at the weekend if they extend the Blues’ losing run in the Premier League to seven matches and Bournemouth fail to win away to Fulham later that day. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE!

ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY Arne Slot’s side go into the game at Anfield off the back of a sore defeat away to Manchester United, with Roy Keane justifiably scathing of their first-half performance at Old Trafford, and they’ll have a point to prove against the FA Cup finalists. Merson: Saturday is a ‘must-win game’ for Liverpool In his weekly Premier League predictions column for Sportskeeda , Merson warned Liverpool that they can’t afford another slip-up at home to Chelsea on Saturday, although he’s predicted a 2-0 win for the Reds. He wrote: ‘After what happened to Liverpool against Manchester United, this is now a must-win game for them.

I expect Bournemouth to win this weekend. ‘If Liverpool lose again, that gap between them and Bournemouth will come down to just three points. Arne Slot cannot afford to go into a situation where they put Champions League qualification for next season at risk.

’ However, he appeared to contradict himself later in the piece by stating: ‘Lately, there has also been noise around the lack of intensity shown by this Liverpool team, but I’m not surprised by it because I believe many of these players will have one eye on the World Cup. ‘None of them want to be injured and it is only a natural reaction, especially when Liverpool have nothing to play for at the moment. I’m backing the hosts to get a crucial win at Anfield.